Chapter 2

—•Avery Pov•—

Hours later, I stood at the entrance of the pack house, squinting against the bright sunlight.

The dress was even worse when I put it on. It was too tight around my chest, making it hard to breathe, and the rough fabric itched against my skin. The yellowed color made my pale skin look sickly, and the uneven hem dragged on the ground, collecting dirt.

Around me, omega servants bustled about, preparing for the ceremony. I could feel their judging eyes on me, hear their whispered comments.

"Look at her," one of them sneered. "Even on her wedding day, she looks pathetic."

"She thinks she’s Luna material”’ Another voice, sharp with laughter.

‘That dress looks like it’s from the garbage.’

"I don't know what Alpha Ryan sees in her," another replied. "She doesn't even have a wolf. It's unnatural."

I felt every word like a slap across my face, but I refused to let them see me break.

So I smiled to spite them. Wide and bright.

Even if it didn’t reach my eyes.

Let them talk. Let them laugh. They would eat their words soon enough. Any minute now, Ryan’s Beta, Jacob, would arrive to escort me to the ceremony. And then, I would be Ryan's mate, his Luna, and no one would dare speak to me like that again.

I held my chin up, pretending the sun didn’t sting my eyes and the sweat pooling at the back of my neck didn’t make me nauseous.

I had already survived worse than whispers.

Goddess I didn’t care about what they said. I was too happy to let their hate touch me. So what if my beautiful wedding had gone mysteriously missing and my stepmother forced me to wear this stiff, itchy one? So what if they all thought I was worthless because I didn’t have a wolf? None of it mattered. Not today.

I had spent my whole life being the pack’s unwanted shadow. The daughter no one cared about. The girl blamed for her mother’s death.

The pack had never hidden their contempt. They called me names behind my back. Most times to my face. And my family too were no exception.

But Ryan... Ryan was different.

He had always been my light in the dark, the only one who ever looked at me like I mattered. Like I belonged.

I still recalled that night three moons ago, during his coronation. We had discovered we were fated mates, and now, we were about to seal that bond.

Finally, after all the pain and misery, I would have something—someone—who was truly mine.

I looked out at the road again.

Still no sign of Ryan’s Beta. My excitement was starting to fade.

Where was Jacob?

My smile became harder and harder to maintain as the hot sun beat down on me. The ceremony should have started by now. The guests were waiting. I was waiting. Jacob was supposed to come fetch me for the ceremony.

I tried to keep my breathing steady as time ticked on, turning seconds into minutes and minutes into aching hours. My feet were sore from standing. My scalp itched where the cheap veil was pinned too tightly where Mila had tried her best to adjust. The sun was too warm, or maybe it was just my nerves, but sweat had begun to collect at the back of my neck.

Ryan’s Beta was never late. He was always precise, always dependable. That’s why Ryan trusted him above all others.

But as the day ticked by, my stomach twisted with unease.

Behind me, one of the omega girls let out a theatrical sigh.

‘Maybe the alpha changed his mind,’ she said, just loud enough for me to hear.

Another one giggled. ‘Wouldn’t blame him.’

‘Did she really think he would marry her?’

‘A wolf-less omega? As if’

‘Maybe the wedding’s canceled.’

I clenched my jaw, my fingers digging into my palms.

But I didn’t respond.

Because I couldn’t.

If I opened my mouth, I might scream.

I was humiliated, standing there like an abandoned bride in a ruined dress, waiting… hoping…

No. Ryan wouldn’t do that. He wouldn’t just leave me here. He loved me.

Didn't he?

Suddenly, a car engine roared in the distance.

My head snapped up, heart leaping.

A sleek black with ribbons fluttering in the wind, balloon strings tangled at the sides, sped down the pack road, kicking up dust behind it. It was the wedding car – thank the Goddess.

Relief flooded through me so fast my knees nearly buckled.

Finally.

I took a step forward, brushing a trembling hand down the front of my dress. He was late, but he came. Everything would be okay.

The car screeched to a stop in front of me. Before the driver could even get out, the passenger door flew open—

And Jess stumbled out. Where was Jacob?

My best friend’s face was pale, her eyes wide and frantic. Her hair was a mess, like she’d been running her hands through it over and over.

Something cold slithered down my spine.

"Jess?" My voice came out too thin, too shaky. "What’s wrong? Where’s Jacob?"

"Avery!" she called, rushing towards me. "Oh, Goddess, Avery!"

Something in her voice made my stomach drop. "What's wrong? Is Ryan okay?"

Jess reached me, her breathing heavy, her eyes wide with disbelief. "The wedding... Avery, the wedding already happened!"